Want to know why circuit city can't afford to keep its stores open?
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I saw a commercial from circuit city advertising all digital cameras 20% off for three days only. Curious, I decided to go have a look. The Canon 50D Kit was $1,599 and is now $1,538 ... doesn't seem like 20% off to me. For comparison the non-sale price on new egg is: $1399. Let's step down to the 40D kit, was $1,299 and is now $1,235. The new egg price: $1,079. What is my point? Well had they actually marked the camera's down they would have been competitive with online prices; instead they pulled one of those retail store frauds that is so prevalent that it just ticks people off. In fact, while in the store waiting to ask the clerk why his camera's were not marked off as advertised I listened to him fail to explain the difference between ef and ef-s mounts to an interested consumer. Since I am not purchasing the camera either online or IRL since I cannot afford it I think I am a neutral enough party to complain about the whole ordeal. Deceptive Advertising, Non-Competitive pricing, and Staff that is less knowledgeable than a simple Google search. I don't have to add Circuit City to my boycott list because they are closing there doors on their own. I just thought I would post my complete lack of sympathy for them ... and the late Comp Usa who did the same thing.
Need software developed? Offering C# development all over the United States, ERL GLOBAL, Inc is the only call you will have to make.
Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know. -- Ernest Hemingway
Most of this sig is for Google, not ego.It is not just the price, but customer service. We went in there a couple months ago, and it was just awful.
"The clue train passed his station without stopping." - John Simmons / outlaw programmer "Real programmers just throw a bunch of 1s and 0s at the computer to see what sticks" - Pete O'Hanlon "Not only do you continue to babble nonsense, you can't even correctly remember the nonsense you babbled just minutes ago." - Rob Graham
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The same is the deal with Best Buy/ HiFi Buys. One thing I hate about Best Buy is that every salesman starts with a statement "We are non commissioned". BTW I am still surprised that these companies are surviving. The only good electronics store I like is Brandsmart. I almost always buy electronics online for the simple reason that they are always cheaper online. Even if the price is same I do save 7% on sales tax and shipping is almost always free.
Proud to be a CPHog user
Rama Krishna Vavilala wrote:
I almost always buy electronics online for the simple reason that...I do save 7% on sales tax...
Don't let the IRS found out about this.
"Love people and use things, not love things and use people." - Unknown
"The brick walls are there for a reason...to stop the people who don't want it badly enough." - Randy Pausch
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I am planning to re-vamp my personal blog in the next few weeks but I am feeling that due to the quality of stuff in the lounge in the last few weeks I should start posting that...I might even do so tonight! (But to alcohol...)
Blog link to be reinstated at a later date.
leckey wrote:
(But to alcohol...)
I hear you! I just spent the day and night at a casino for our auction, and they serve the worst scotch I ever tasted - Dewar's. X| I've tasted better stealing gasoline with a piece of plastic hose. Fortunately, my camera bag has plenty of room for a flask of better grade scotch. I couldn't have survived without it. So, home at last with a cold glass, it's time to get cracking on a programming task. It's the only way I can face dealing with MSDN without resorting to using Search to see what they have to match all the colorful curse words I've learned over the years. Perhaps blogging under the influence would make the process (or content) more entertaining for you. :-D
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
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Every time i walk into Circuit City... er... Both times i've walked into Circuit City, they've managed to quickly impress me with their high prices, lack of selection, poor lighting, and maze-like product displays. It's like Best Buy back in the '80s, but without the cassette tapes. Forget New Egg; Office Depot is kicking their tail in price and service.
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You're right. These facts that you've laid out totally contradict the wild ramblings that I pulled off the back of cornflakes packets.
Shog9 wrote:
Office Depot is kicking their tail in price and service.
We have both OfficeDepot and OfficeMax in our town, and it's hard to tell which lot is more clueless. Both have reasonable prices, if either had any stock, but OfficeMax at least makes an effort to transfer goods from another store. Unless I need something right away, I usually order online or buy whatever equivalent item Walmart has this week. They, at least, don't claim to be experts, and they never disappoint me in that respect.
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
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I saw a commercial from circuit city advertising all digital cameras 20% off for three days only. Curious, I decided to go have a look. The Canon 50D Kit was $1,599 and is now $1,538 ... doesn't seem like 20% off to me. For comparison the non-sale price on new egg is: $1399. Let's step down to the 40D kit, was $1,299 and is now $1,235. The new egg price: $1,079. What is my point? Well had they actually marked the camera's down they would have been competitive with online prices; instead they pulled one of those retail store frauds that is so prevalent that it just ticks people off. In fact, while in the store waiting to ask the clerk why his camera's were not marked off as advertised I listened to him fail to explain the difference between ef and ef-s mounts to an interested consumer. Since I am not purchasing the camera either online or IRL since I cannot afford it I think I am a neutral enough party to complain about the whole ordeal. Deceptive Advertising, Non-Competitive pricing, and Staff that is less knowledgeable than a simple Google search. I don't have to add Circuit City to my boycott list because they are closing there doors on their own. I just thought I would post my complete lack of sympathy for them ... and the late Comp Usa who did the same thing.
Need software developed? Offering C# development all over the United States, ERL GLOBAL, Inc is the only call you will have to make.
Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know. -- Ernest Hemingway
Most of this sig is for Google, not ego.I'd love to carry all of these comments to the next shareholder meeting. :laugh: Oddly enough, CC is the only stock I'm holding right now that's still in the black.
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
-
I saw a commercial from circuit city advertising all digital cameras 20% off for three days only. Curious, I decided to go have a look. The Canon 50D Kit was $1,599 and is now $1,538 ... doesn't seem like 20% off to me. For comparison the non-sale price on new egg is: $1399. Let's step down to the 40D kit, was $1,299 and is now $1,235. The new egg price: $1,079. What is my point? Well had they actually marked the camera's down they would have been competitive with online prices; instead they pulled one of those retail store frauds that is so prevalent that it just ticks people off. In fact, while in the store waiting to ask the clerk why his camera's were not marked off as advertised I listened to him fail to explain the difference between ef and ef-s mounts to an interested consumer. Since I am not purchasing the camera either online or IRL since I cannot afford it I think I am a neutral enough party to complain about the whole ordeal. Deceptive Advertising, Non-Competitive pricing, and Staff that is less knowledgeable than a simple Google search. I don't have to add Circuit City to my boycott list because they are closing there doors on their own. I just thought I would post my complete lack of sympathy for them ... and the late Comp Usa who did the same thing.
Need software developed? Offering C# development all over the United States, ERL GLOBAL, Inc is the only call you will have to make.
Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know. -- Ernest Hemingway
Most of this sig is for Google, not ego.Don't get me started about Currys/Dixons/Comet (in the UK). I go to Richer Sounds and find the guy who looks like a wasted rocker (the real expert who gives honest advice!) :laugh: If you're in Bristol there is Mark who is a young Rick Wakeman lookalike, really knows his stuff and listens to what you need.
Visit http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/[^] and do something special today.
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Don't get me started about Currys/Dixons/Comet (in the UK). I go to Richer Sounds and find the guy who looks like a wasted rocker (the real expert who gives honest advice!) :laugh: If you're in Bristol there is Mark who is a young Rick Wakeman lookalike, really knows his stuff and listens to what you need.
Visit http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/[^] and do something special today.
Trollslayer wrote:
If you're in Bristol
Do you mean to tell me that people actually live in Bristol?
Henry Minute If you open a can of worms, any valid solution *MUST* involve a larger can!
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Don't get me started about Currys/Dixons/Comet (in the UK). I go to Richer Sounds and find the guy who looks like a wasted rocker (the real expert who gives honest advice!) :laugh: If you're in Bristol there is Mark who is a young Rick Wakeman lookalike, really knows his stuff and listens to what you need.
Visit http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/[^] and do something special today.
Best Hi Fi I ever bought came from Richer Sounds.
Recent blog posts: *Method hiding Vs. overriding *Microsoft Surface *SQL Server / Visual Studio install order My Blog
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I can't tell you the number of times that Hubby or I have had to inform customers or correct Best Buy sales people about HD TV's, Blu Ray, etc.
Blog link to be reinstated at a later date.
I don't correct them, I just start out by insulting them with "You're a retard". I've found that once you've established their less-than-zero level of intellect, you can take advantage of that uncomfortable silence generated by their inability to respond with a viable comeback, and you can guide the other customer in the right direction. Of course, you have to give a shit about the other customer first, and I only care if she has - well - "a visibly nice personality".
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
On a similar vein, I just renewed my car insurance. My "current" provider quoted me £576 for a Fully Comp policy, I searched and got a better policy for £357. Reason so cheap? Well it has to do with the fact that I had a Drink Driving conviction 6 years ago. The first company counts that whilst it shows on your license, 10 years, whereas the second company only counts it for five years. £219 pounds saving is not to be sniffed at! Needless to say I went with the cheaper one, that is why so many insurers are not making a profit and are losing staff.
------------------------------------ We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office. - Aesop
Dalek Dave wrote:
Well it has to do with the fact that I had a Drink Driving conviction 6 years ago. The first company counts that whilst it shows on your license, 10 years, whereas the second company only counts it for five years.
I think it should count forever. Until you've had at least one friend killed by a drunk driver, you won't understand that sentiment.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
Rama Krishna Vavilala wrote:
I almost always buy electronics online for the simple reason that...I do save 7% on sales tax...
Don't let the IRS found out about this.
"Love people and use things, not love things and use people." - Unknown
"The brick walls are there for a reason...to stop the people who don't want it badly enough." - Randy Pausch
I am sure they know.:) Seriously, if you buy expensive things like a laptop for example. The tax runs into $100-200. Buying it online is beneficial straight away. Of course, the trick is to find a company which does not have any business presence in your state.
Proud to be a CPHog user
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Trollslayer wrote:
If you're in Bristol
Do you mean to tell me that people actually live in Bristol?
Henry Minute If you open a can of worms, any valid solution *MUST* involve a larger can!
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It seems a reasonable thing to do here.
Visit http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/[^] and do something special today.
Yeah, sorry about that, spent a fortnight there one thursday whilst on business trip. Can't remember name of hotel but it was quite near the BRI. Like most places, I suspect there are lots of things to do and nice places to visit etc., once you get to know it.
Henry Minute If you open a can of worms, any valid solution *MUST* involve a larger can!
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Yeah, sorry about that, spent a fortnight there one thursday whilst on business trip. Can't remember name of hotel but it was quite near the BRI. Like most places, I suspect there are lots of things to do and nice places to visit etc., once you get to know it.
Henry Minute If you open a can of worms, any valid solution *MUST* involve a larger can!
That would do it! If you're back there is a pub called the Hatchet which is great to chill out, St. Nicholas indoor market has some great shops (even a South African food shop!). Just a shame the local rock venue got turned into a lap dancing club :((
Visit http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/[^] and do something special today.
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I saw a commercial from circuit city advertising all digital cameras 20% off for three days only. Curious, I decided to go have a look. The Canon 50D Kit was $1,599 and is now $1,538 ... doesn't seem like 20% off to me. For comparison the non-sale price on new egg is: $1399. Let's step down to the 40D kit, was $1,299 and is now $1,235. The new egg price: $1,079. What is my point? Well had they actually marked the camera's down they would have been competitive with online prices; instead they pulled one of those retail store frauds that is so prevalent that it just ticks people off. In fact, while in the store waiting to ask the clerk why his camera's were not marked off as advertised I listened to him fail to explain the difference between ef and ef-s mounts to an interested consumer. Since I am not purchasing the camera either online or IRL since I cannot afford it I think I am a neutral enough party to complain about the whole ordeal. Deceptive Advertising, Non-Competitive pricing, and Staff that is less knowledgeable than a simple Google search. I don't have to add Circuit City to my boycott list because they are closing there doors on their own. I just thought I would post my complete lack of sympathy for them ... and the late Comp Usa who did the same thing.
Need software developed? Offering C# development all over the United States, ERL GLOBAL, Inc is the only call you will have to make.
Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know. -- Ernest Hemingway
Most of this sig is for Google, not ego.Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:
why his camera's were not marked off as advertised
Just wondering, did you get an explanation?
John
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Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:
why his camera's were not marked off as advertised
Just wondering, did you get an explanation?
John
John M. Drescher wrote:
Just wondering, did you get an explanation?
But we know the answer - because Circuit City/Best Buy/etc. rely on the uninformed consumer by overpricing everything by 20-30% and then having "Sales" whose prices are at or near their regular price. An apparently very successful technique is to TELL people the item is marked off, but to not actually mark it off. All people need is to THINK they're getting a good deal, not actually get one. As John noted this is called sale fraud and is very common in the US. I don't know about other countries.
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I saw a commercial from circuit city advertising all digital cameras 20% off for three days only. Curious, I decided to go have a look. The Canon 50D Kit was $1,599 and is now $1,538 ... doesn't seem like 20% off to me. For comparison the non-sale price on new egg is: $1399. Let's step down to the 40D kit, was $1,299 and is now $1,235. The new egg price: $1,079. What is my point? Well had they actually marked the camera's down they would have been competitive with online prices; instead they pulled one of those retail store frauds that is so prevalent that it just ticks people off. In fact, while in the store waiting to ask the clerk why his camera's were not marked off as advertised I listened to him fail to explain the difference between ef and ef-s mounts to an interested consumer. Since I am not purchasing the camera either online or IRL since I cannot afford it I think I am a neutral enough party to complain about the whole ordeal. Deceptive Advertising, Non-Competitive pricing, and Staff that is less knowledgeable than a simple Google search. I don't have to add Circuit City to my boycott list because they are closing there doors on their own. I just thought I would post my complete lack of sympathy for them ... and the late Comp Usa who did the same thing.
Need software developed? Offering C# development all over the United States, ERL GLOBAL, Inc is the only call you will have to make.
Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know. -- Ernest Hemingway
Most of this sig is for Google, not ego.Even Costco prices for electronic items is way higher than the online prices. So to me it's a surprise that stores like Circuit City lasted as long as they did. Though when you buy online, there's the delay in waiting for it to be shipped + if there's an issue, exchanges/returns are always a little more complicated. But the price difference is well worth the extra wait.
Regards, Nish
Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET (my blog)
My latest book : C++/CLI in Action / Amazon.com link -
John M. Drescher wrote:
Just wondering, did you get an explanation?
But we know the answer - because Circuit City/Best Buy/etc. rely on the uninformed consumer by overpricing everything by 20-30% and then having "Sales" whose prices are at or near their regular price. An apparently very successful technique is to TELL people the item is marked off, but to not actually mark it off. All people need is to THINK they're getting a good deal, not actually get one. As John noted this is called sale fraud and is very common in the US. I don't know about other countries.
Patrick Etc. wrote:
But we know the answer - because Circuit City/Best Buy/etc. rely on the uninformed consumer
Exactly. I assumed that the night or possibly week before they raised the price just so that they could lower it and call it a sale. However when they are caught at that I really like to see them try to explain the reasoning.
John
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That would do it! If you're back there is a pub called the Hatchet which is great to chill out, St. Nicholas indoor market has some great shops (even a South African food shop!). Just a shame the local rock venue got turned into a lap dancing club :((
Visit http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/[^] and do something special today.
Trollslayer wrote:
the local rock venue got turned into a lap dancing club
Well, if you ever need a second job, it's nice to have a fallback. ;)
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
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Even Costco prices for electronic items is way higher than the online prices. So to me it's a surprise that stores like Circuit City lasted as long as they did. Though when you buy online, there's the delay in waiting for it to be shipped + if there's an issue, exchanges/returns are always a little more complicated. But the price difference is well worth the extra wait.
Regards, Nish
Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET (my blog)
My latest book : C++/CLI in Action / Amazon.com linkNishant Sivakumar wrote:
So to me it's a surprise that stores like Circuit City lasted as long as they did.
What about items that shipping is not that easy or cheap? I mean I will probably not buy a large HD tv or a monitor online because if it was doa (or had bad pixels) it would cost an arm and a leg to send back to the online store and in most cases the customer pays the return shipping online.
John